As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Residential Program Director in the United States is $128,981 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.
However, a Residential Program Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Residential Program Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Residential Program Director's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Residential Program Director | $120,924 |
| Intermediate Level Residential Program Director | $122,013 |
| Senior Level Residential Program Director | $123,827 |
| Specialist Level Residential Program Director | $125,642 |
| Expert Level Residential Program Director | $128,825 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Residential Program Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 11.58% |
| CPR | 2.35% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.58% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Accountability
|
$136,719 |
6%
|
|
Effective Communication
|
$135,430 |
5%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$134,140 |
4%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$132,850 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$132,850 |
3%
|
|
Social Work
|
$131,560 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Residential Program Directors enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Residential Program Director with a Bachelor's Degree is between $111,994 and $119,218).
Residential Program Director Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 8.7% |
| High School | 8.7% |
| Associates | 5.8% |
| Bachelors | 44.9% |
| Masters | 37.7% |
| Doctorate | 2.9% |
Understanding how a Residential Program Director's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021Salaries for a Residential Program Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $135,010 in 2023 to around $134,399 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Residential Program Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $135,010 |
| 2024 | $135,352 |
| 2025 | $134,399 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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